How was your day?

Probably not. Whatever happened last August was remedied by IV fluids and bedrest, so my physician thought it was dehydration/heat exhaustion. By single payer I meant government run healthcare like in Canada. That would be easier to work with given my current situation.

Did you check to see if you count as 'disabled' according to Medicare Part D? Also did you ask your doctor if he had any prescription discount cards to give specifically from the drug manufacturer to make the price of the medication more reasonable? Also if you're going to be on Depakote for several years, then you should look into insurance programs that might give optimal coverage over that specific medication. Several pharmacies offer their own form of discount cards that deduct the price of medications for a $10 monthly fee and tend to help the price of medication become more manageable. You're allowed to use insurance and discount cards together, however in most cases you're not allowed to double up on discount cards or insurance when it comes to a single prescription.

Cautions and Warnings:
Do not take valproic acid if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. Serious drug reactions involving multiple parts of the body have rarely been reported in people who have recently started taking valproic acid. Use this drug with caution if you have a history of liver problems. Liver failure, sometimes resulting in death, has occurred in people taking valproic acid. Children under age 2 are at increased risk for liver failure associated with valprioc acid, especially if they are also taking other anticonvulsants or have congenital disorders of metabolism, severe seizure disorders, mental retardation, or organic brain disease. After age 2, the risk of fatal liver reaction decreases sharply.

Ammonia in the bloodstream, another factor that worsens liver disease, may also occur with valproic acid. Your doctor should check your liver function before beginning valproic acid treatment and periodically thereafter. Valproic acid should not be taken by those with known urea cycle disorders (a genetic disorder resulting in high levels of ammonia in the bloodstream).

Children and adults taking valproic acid may have rarely developed cases of life-threatening pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or appetite loss can be signs of pancreatitis and require immediate medical attention. Valproic acid can affect platelet function, leading to bruising, bleeding, or changes in blood-clotting function. Valproic acid may interfere with some urine tests of thyroid function.